Name: Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams); ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¾ cup buttermilk (175 ml); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (55 grams); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped apples, peels removed (225 grams, from about 2-3 apples); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (170 grams); ¼ cup whole milk (60 ml); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Vegetable or canola oil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re the sort of person who lights up at the thought of a cozy bakery treat—but also loves a shortcut, Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts are about to be your new obsession. These golden beauties mash up everything delightful about apple fritters and doughnuts, then hug it all with the crisp charm of a waffle iron. Sweet orchard apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a glossy vanilla glaze take breakfast (or anytime snacking) to the next level. The first bite is pure nostalgia, but with a playful modern twist that’s impossible to resist.

Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the delicious results—these Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts use pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item is key, from the tartness of the apples to the sweet, vanilla-scented glaze.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the fritter batter, keeping things light but sturdy.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness for both flavor and color.
Baking powder: Gives the doughnuts a fluffy, tender crumb.
Baking soda: Lends extra rise and tenderness, reacting with buttermilk for the perfect texture.
Salt: Makes every other flavor pop and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Ground cinnamon: Invites a fragrant warmth that’s practically autumn in spice form.
Buttermilk: Gives these waffle doughnuts a gentle tang and ultra-moist crumb—no skipping!
Unsalted butter (melted): Richness and a subtle buttery note that makes everything taste indulgent.
Large eggs: Binds everything together and helps set up the tender interior.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweet flavors and shines in the glaze.
Chopped apples (peeled): Bright, juicy bits in every bite—choose tart apples for contrast!
Vegetable or canola oil: For deep-frying to golden, crispy perfection.
Powdered sugar: The base for a dreamy, smooth glaze.
Whole milk: Loosens the glaze just enough so it coats every curve.

How to Make Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts

Step 1: Mix the Batter

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until everything’s evenly blended. In a separate bowl, stir up the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour your wet mixture into the dry—and blend gently, only until there are no big streaks of flour left. Fold in the apples at the very end, being careful not to overmix. This will keep the doughnuts tender and packed with little bursts of fruit.

Step 2: Waffle Time

Preheat your waffle iron as you usually would (a medium setting is great). Scoop some of the batter onto the greased iron, aiming for about half a cup per waffle, but adjust based on your machine’s size. Cook until crisp and lightly golden; the apples might caramelize a bit for an even richer flavor. Move finished waffles to a rack to cool a little, then cut each into doughnut-sized segments or even rounds for that authentic doughnut look.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour a couple inches of vegetable or canola oil into a heavy pot and bring it to 360°F. Using a thermometer helps here, since temperature is key: too hot and the doughnuts brown too fast; too cool and they soak up oil. Have a tray nearby lined with paper towels for draining your fritters after frying.

Step 4: Fry Into Perfection

Working in small batches to avoid crowding, slide your waffle pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, flipping gently with tongs or a spider skimmer until deeply golden brown. Transfer freshly fried Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts right onto the paper towel–lined tray and repeat until they’re all crisped up and irresistible.

Step 5: Glaze and Set

Whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until satiny smooth. Dip the warm doughnuts, one at a time, into the glaze and set them on a wire rack. Let them set for about 20 minutes, if you can stand to wait—the glaze will turn glossy and perfectly snappy.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts

Garnishes

For the prettiest (and tastiest) finishing touch, dust your Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts with a little extra powdered sugar or an extra shake of cinnamon. Want to add crunch? Scatter a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the wet glaze. For true bakery vibes, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or crown each with a paper-thin apple slice.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm doughnuts with a mug of fresh coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or a cozy spiced chai. If you’re embracing the brunch spirit, serve alongside crispy bacon, Greek yogurt and berries, or even a cheesy egg bake to balance the sweet richness of the Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your doughnuts into the centerpiece of a brunch board by stacking them on a pretty platter with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and bowls of dipping sauces like caramel or vanilla cream. For a fun party twist, thread mini doughnuts onto skewers with apple wedges, or pile them into a fun “doughnut tower” for birthdays and holiday mornings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is a big if!), keep your Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. They’ll hold onto most of their softness and flavor—just separate layers with parchment to stop sticking.

Freezing

Want to save some for another day? You can freeze the completely cooled, unglazed doughnuts in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze freshly for best texture and appearance.

Reheating

Pop leftover doughnuts in a 325°F oven for 6–8 minutes or until just warmed through and lightly crisped, or use a toaster oven if you prefer. If you’ve already glazed them, expect the glaze to get a little sticky—a small price for warm, gooey goodness!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! Choose a firmer, tart variety like Granny Smith for a sharper flavor, or try Honeycrisp or Braeburn for something a bit sweeter. Soft apples might get mushy, so stick to crisp ones for the best Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts.

Can I skip the deep-frying and just eat the waffles?

You can—if you’re in a hurry or want to cut down on oil, these are still delicious right out of the waffle maker. They’ll be more like apple cinnamon waffles, but no one will complain!

How do I make these vegan?

Swap out the buttermilk for a non-dairy milk combined with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter, and substitute flax eggs for the eggs. The glaze is easy to make vegan with plant milk, too.

Can I make mini Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts?

Yes! Simply cut your cooked waffles into smaller shapes before frying. These bite-sized treats are crowd-pleasers for brunch parties, school bake sales, or fun lunchbox surprises.

What’s the best way to keep the doughnuts crisp?

Fry in small batches and don’t crowd the pan—this keeps the temperature steady and ensures every Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnut comes out super crispy. Letting them drain on a rack (not just on paper towels) also helps preserve the crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a plate of Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts, and I hope you’ll make these a new tradition in your home. They’re the perfect excuse to invite friends over for coffee or spoil your family with a special weekend breakfast. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 10 doughnuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Apple Fritter Waffle Doughnuts are a delightful twist on classic waffles, combining the flavors of apple fritters and the fun shape of doughnuts. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and finished with a sweet glaze, they are perfect for a special breakfast treat.

Instructions

Doughnut Waffles: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Add liquids to the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add the chopped apples and mix until incorporated.
Waffles: Preheat a waffle iron and cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions. Let cool and cut into segments.
Frying: Pour enough oil into a pot until it’s 2 inches deep. Heat to 360°F. Fry waffles in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip the hot doughnuts into the glaze and let sit on a wire rack for 20 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Frying, Baking
Cuisine: American